Chapter 54

In his previous life, after becoming a grandmaster of the Alchemy Dao, Wei Changfeng had a considerable number of retainers, the strongest of whom had reached the Seventh Heaven of the Spirit Transformation realm.

He was able to monopolize a small spiritual source in a blessed land, and these loyal retainers played a significant role in that.

But when the great calamity truly came, even the Spirit Transformation grandmasters were reduced to ashes.

Therefore, in this life, Wei Changfeng vowed to achieve the supreme status of a Martial Emperor and forever control his own destiny!

However, his current strength was still too weak, and he faced many dangers and tribulations. He had to rely on external forces to protect himself and gain the time and space needed for growth.

Venturing into the mountains to find medicine for Ouyang Feng, painstakingly joining Dongfang Caibai's sect, and forming a bond of gratitude and righteousness with Tie Yi... these were all efforts Wei Changfeng made to expand his network of influence.

The more allies one has, the better. Tie Yi was the first retainer, but he would certainly not be the last!

"Old Tie, take a look at this treasure!"

Wei Changfeng summoned the Golden Armor and showed it to Tie Yi. This was one of his important secrets.

"Master, what kind of insect is this?"

Looking at the golden-lined beetle flying in front of him, Tie Yi asked curiously, "What's its use?"

After formally establishing the master-retainer relationship, the way they addressed each other also changed.

However, Wei Changfeng did not like the overly grand title "Young Master," so he had Tie Yi call him "Young Master of the House."

This title was a bit vulgar, but it wouldn't draw attention from those with ulterior motives, as many hunters and treasure seekers were often employed by merchants or young nobles to earn a living.

Wei Changfeng extended his hand, letting the Golden Armor land on his palm.

He stroked its back and said with a smile, "Don't underestimate it. As long as there are any aged medicinal herbs or materials nearby, even if they are buried several feet underground, it can find them!"

"So powerful!"

Tie Yi couldn't help but draw a sharp breath, his gaze changing immediately.

As an experienced treasure hunter, he knew very well what the Golden Armor's abilities meant.

If Wei Changfeng wasn't exaggerating, then he could earn as much money as he wanted, couldn't he?

He finally understood why Wei Changfeng needed him to keep the secret.

Now, Tie Yi had no doubt about Wei Changfeng's words. Surprised, he felt even more confident in his choice, thinking it was the wisest decision!

"Let's go!"

Wei Changfeng said, "Find more medicinal materials, and return to Jingyun City by noon tomorrow!"

The two left the small valley where the Cold Pond was located and continued searching in the large canyon.

This canyon was a place where Wei Changfeng believed the spiritual energy converged, with a vast and complex terrain. Even though many treasure hunters had been there before, some medicinal herbs and materials must still be growing in hidden places.

It was the perfect place for the Golden Armor to show its prowess!

Wei Changfeng and Tie Yi worked together, with Wei Changfeng directing the Golden Armor to find the targets, and Tie Yi digging and collecting them. Tie Yi was not only skilled at dissecting prey but also adept at collecting herbs.

This greatly improved efficiency. By the afternoon, they had collected herbs and medicinal materials worth at least a thousand taels, all of which were aged and highly sought after in any pharmacy in Jingyun City.

Remarkably, the process of hunting and collecting herbs went smoothly, without any interference from wild beasts or monsters.

Tie Yi was thoroughly convinced. If he had come alone, even if he knew there were herbs in the area, he wouldn't have been able to find them.

Some materials were buried several feet underground, some herbs looked no different from ordinary grass, and some grew high up in the branches of trees, like clever children playing hide-and-seek.

As they searched and collected, they ventured deeper into the canyon.

Swoosh!

The Golden Armor drew a beautiful arc in the air, spreading its wings and flying out of the dense forest.

It seemed to have made a new discovery and was quite excited, flying at a rapid speed.

Wei Changfeng, following behind, had to quicken his pace.

Suddenly, the view opened up!

A hidden lake deep in the canyon appeared before Wei Changfeng's eyes.

The azure lake was like a giant gem embedded in the forest, its calm surface reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and distant mountains. The green water plants around the shore and the gentle breeze made the scene refreshing and pleasant.

However, the beauty of the scene was broken by several figures suddenly appearing in his line of sight.

The Golden Armor "whooshed" back and, in the blink of an eye, hid inside Wei Changfeng's collar.

It only reacted so quickly when it sensed danger!

Wei Changfeng's expression changed instantly.

"Huh!"

The figures came from another direction, only a dozen steps away from Wei Changfeng. There were five of them, clearly a hunting and treasure-seeking team.

Many people made a living by the river, and there were also many hunters and treasure seekers who ventured into the Green Forest Mountain, often in groups of three or five.

These hunters and treasure seekers usually had martial skills, most of them being martial academy students or graduates. Some were local hunters and herbalists, while others were wandering warriors, many of whom had criminal records.

When Wei Changfeng and Tie Yi entered the mountain, they had also encountered a couple of similar teams, but everyone had tacitly avoided each other, not wanting to cause conflict.

However, in the mountains, black-on-black incidents among hunters and treasure seekers were never uncommon.

Seeing the figures, Wei Changfeng immediately realized his trouble had come!

Because among them was someone he knew.

Hao Ren!

Truly, enemies meet in the narrowest of paths. The enmity between the two was not something that could be easily resolved.

"Wei Changfeng!"

At the same time that Wei Changfeng saw them, Hao Ren also spotted Wei Changfeng and immediately shouted.

He stared at Wei Changfeng with a look full of resentment, anger, and excitement.

Wei Changfeng quickly regained his composure and said with a faint smile, "It's Hao Senior, aren't you supposed to be bullying people in the martial academy? Are you here in the Green Forest Mountain to find a new lair for the monsters?"

This was like poking a sore spot, and Hao Ren felt his face burning with shame.

In a fit of anger, he roared, "Wei Changfeng, you had a chance to walk the right path, but you chose to run into this place. It's a sign of heaven's will. I wonder who will help you today!"

As if Wei Changfeng had defeated him with someone's help!

Wei Changfeng did not refute Hao Ren's baseless accusations because this guy was not worth fearing. His attention was entirely on Hao Ren's four companions.

Two of them were likely martial academy students, whom Wei Changfeng vaguely recognized as Hao Ren's lackeys.

But the other two were extraordinary. They wore the common leather armor of treasure hunters, one carrying a large axe and the other a heavy sword, both muscular and fierce-looking, clearly not to be trifled with.

Such a team combination was common in the Green Forest Mountain. Some martial academy students, when on a mission or training, liked to hire experienced treasure hunters to ensure their safety.

A martial academy student like Hao Ren, who only bullied others within the academy, had a very low chance of going out for training. He was most likely on a mission.

Wei Changfeng sneered, "When did junior students dare to be disrespectful to senior students? Hao Ren, aren't you afraid of the punishment from the Discipline Hall?"

In the lower academy, as long as there were no fatalities or serious injuries, the martial academy did not interfere in challenges and duels between students.

But if a student maliciously provoked another without regard for rank, the Discipline Hall would not be a mere decoration.

The two martial academy students accompanying Hao Ren immediately became uneasy, knowing the power of the Discipline Hall.

Hao Ren said with disdain, "Don't try to pressure me with the Discipline Hall. I'm determined to take you down today. When we get to the Discipline Hall, who will testify for you?"

He growled, "Wei Changfeng, if you kneel and slap yourself, and don't stop until I say so, I might let you live!"

Wei Changfeng laughed, "With you?!"

His laughter was full of disdain and contempt, making Hao Ren's face twitch.

He said with venom, "I don't need to do it myself; someone else will take care of you!"

"See my friends Zhang and Li? Both are Seventh Heaven Body Cultivators. Kneel now!"

When did Body Cultivators become considered experts?

But Wei Changfeng knew that these two treasure hunters were the source of Hao Ren's confidence. If their Seventh Heaven Body Cultivator strength was genuine, they could easily crush his Fourth Heaven Body Cultivator.

Without a word, Wei Changfeng immediately turned and fled into the forest behind him.

"Damn!"

Hao Ren did not expect Wei Changfeng to run so decisively, feeling like he had been toyed with. In a panic, he shouted, "Catch him!"

But the two treasure hunters standing beside him looked at each other and did not move.

The one with the large axe said, "Young Master, we are here to help you complete your mission. This person is a senior student of the martial academy. To catch him..."

Hao Ren shouted without hesitation, "I'll pay five hundred taels of silver, just for a live capture!"

Hatred runs deep when enemies meet. The humiliation he suffered at Wei Changfeng's hands had made him a laughingstock in the lower academy, a grudge that burned fiercely!

Hao Ren did not intend to kill Wei Changfeng directly, but he wanted to humiliate him severely to satisfy his hatred.

Most importantly, in half a month, there would be a life-or-death battle between Wei Changfeng and his brother Hao Xiong. If he could do something to Wei Changfeng now, Hao Xiong's victory would be assured!

As for the Discipline Hall, first, Wei Changfeng had no witnesses. Hao Ren could easily turn the tables, and if that didn't work, he could simply leave the martial academy. Who would continue to pursue him?

So this time, Hao Ren was determined to achieve his goal, no matter what!